Stoker



Jan. 14, 1941. H. s; MANN ETAL' STOKER 2 SheetsSheet 2 Filed DeG. 2, 1956 INVENTORS L5. Ma fm Henry Eu e/ze Manly/fz ATTORNEYS Patented Jan. 14, 1941 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE STOKER Henry S. Mann, Chicago, Ill., and Eugene Martin, Erie, Pa., assignors to The Standard Stoker Company, Incorporated, a corporation of Dela- Wavre Application December 2, 1936, Serial No. 113,774

7 Claims.

o, conduit communicating with the furnace and being of such construction that the fuel core, upon approaching the Zone of action of the fuel distributing system, is loosened whereby the distributing system may effectively project the fuel into the furnace.

As a further object thereof, the present invention contemplates the provision, in a stoker of the above character, of an improved distributing system comprising a main pressure fluid jet device disposed forward of the outer surface of the furnace wall and an auxiliary jet member disposed rearward of the outer surface of the furnace wall and arranged to act at the rear of the fuel stream for assisting the movement of such fuel stream into the zone of action of said main 'jet device.

As a more specific object thereof, this invention contemplates the provision of a main jet device which consists of a pair of jet members extending side by side transversely with respect to the discharge mouth of the stoker, and which jet members are each insertible into operative position through a respective side wall of the discharge mouth.

It is also an object of this invention to provide a novel fuel deflecting means which is of such construction that the rearward portion thereof controls the discharge of fuel from the mouth to the distributing or fuel projecting device while the forward end of the deflecting means serves to direct the projected fuel into p-redetermined areas of the furnace.

A further object of this invention resides in the provision of novel fuel deflecting means, which means comprises a pair of oppositely disposed, independently operable deflectors, one at each side of the stoker discharge mouth, each deiiector including a forward portion arranged to direct the projected fuel to certain areas of the furnace, each forward portion being capable of independent adjustment with respect to the rearward portion.

Other objects and advantages to be derived from this invention will become apparent upon reading the following specification in connection (Cl. 11G-105.5)

with the accompanying drawings,illustrating the invention as applied to a locomotive flrebox, and

in which drawings,

Fig. 1 is a vertical medial section through the rearward portion of a locomotive taken along the line I I of Figure 2;

Figures 2, 3 and 4 are plan sections taken along the lines 2 2, 3 3 and 4 4, respectively, of

Fig. 1;

Fig. 5 is a fragmentary view similar to a p0rtion of Fig. l, taken on the line 5 5 of Figure 6, showing a modification of the invention; and

Fig. 6 is a plan section taken along the irregular line 5 6 of Fig. 5.

of the frebox I2.

Within the backwall I I there is provided a firing opening 9, the lower edge of which is disposed above the reboX grates I3 and also above the plane of the cab deck I4.

Leading forwardly from the tender (not shown) is a conveyor I5 of a stoker which is indicated generally by S. The conveyor I5 comprises a pair of intertted telescopic conduits I6, Il; the outer conduit I5 at its forward end is provided with a spherical portion I8 received in a spherical seat I9 of the elbow 20, while the inner conduit II provides a bearing for flights` 2| of the conveyor screw 22.

At the forward end of the conveyor wall II by means of a bracket 28.

At its upper end, the conduit portion 24 is provided with a fuel discharge mouth 29 which is in communication with the lower portion of the firing opening 9. The conduit portion 24 is rigidly secured to the backwall I I by bolts 30 which pass through flanges 3l, 3Ia at the sides of the discharge mouth 29.

From its circular lower end, the conduit portion 24 flares very gradually to the horizontal plane passing through the lowermost edge of the firing opening 9, from which point the central portion ofthe conduit forward wall 32 turns forwardly toward the lower portion of the firing opening 9 and terminatesv thereat.

Immediately above the aforesaid horizontal plane, the conduit is formed to provide a rapidly increasing cross sectional area by the construction to which reference will hereafter be made. The rear wall 33 of the conduit portion 24 likewise turns inwardly to form the top wall 34 which merges with the side walls 35, 35a. to form the fuel discharge mouth 29. The portion of the firing opening 9 above the top wall 34 is closed by the usual redoor 38.

Within the lower portion of the ring opening 9, the forward wall 32 is provided with a lip 31 forming a seat for the rearward side of a platform 38. As shown in Fig. 4', the platform 38 is provided on its rearward side with a pair of transversely spaced, rearwardly extending arms I39, 39a. which are secured to the conduit portion 24 by set screws 40 disposed rearward of the backwall Il. The platform 38 is thus firmly, but detachably, secured to the conduit portion 24.

Immediately above the horizontal plane of the upper surface of said platform 38, each conduit side wall 35, 35a is provided with a recess 4I, 4|a, respectively. Each recess 4I, 4|a is arranged to accommodate a pressure duid jet member 42, 42a passing through a respective recess and seated partly upon the platform 38 and partly upon the upper surface of the forward wall 32. The pressure fluid jet members 42, 42aI are provided with frontI faces 43 terminating in the same vertical plane as the forward side of the platform 38, the plane upper. surfaces 44, the inner ends 45 arranged in approximate abutting relationship and the curvate rear walls 46. Each jet member contains a pair of vertically spaced chambers 41 and a chamber 48 at each extreme lateral side of the first named chambers 41. These chambers 41 and 48 extend rearwardly from a point adjacent the front face 43 and each is provided with pressure uid intake openings 49 into each of which is threaded a supply lead 50. The pressure fluid intake openings 49 are formed in the outer portion of each jet member, each jet member having a ange through which bolts such as 52 are passed for securing each jet member 42, 42a to the respective conduit side wall 35, 35a.

On its forward side, the platform 38 is provided with a ledge 53 below the upper surface of said platform and upon which ledge 53 a fuel distributing table 54 is seated. A hook member 55 extending rearwardly from the under side of said table 54, and at each side thereof, engages a corresponding lug 56 formed on the under side of the platform 38. By this construction, the table 54 is connected to the platform 38 by an interlocking means comprising the ledge 53, the hook members 55 and the lugs 56. In this manner the platform 38 forms a seat for the jet members 42, 42a and also supports the table 54. This feature is desirable because in the event that the ledge 53 should become warped or otherwise rendered unserviceable because of the intense heat in the rebox, only the platform 38 need be replaced rather than the relatively expensive jet members 42, 42a had the ledge been formed therewith.

Upon the upper surface of the distributing table 54 a plurality of straight, spaced ribs 51 is provided between which are directed the jet apertures 58 which communicate with the chambers 41. A laterally curving rib 59 is provided on the upper surface of the table 54 at each side of the straight ribs 51. The curving ribs 59 cooperate, with blasts of pressure fluid emitted from the chambers 48 through apertures 60 iri the side faces 6l of the jet members 42, 42a, to distribute fuel to the rear corners of the iirebox.

In order to control the amounts of fuel delivered in front of each jet member 42, 42a, a pair of fuel deflecting vanes 32, 62a, are pivotally mounted at their rear ends upon the upright pins 63, 63aI adjacent the conduit side walls 35, 35a, respectively. The vanes 62, 62a are independently operable by means of screws 64 threaded into respective side walls 35, 35a and provided exteriorly of the conduit 24 with operating handles 65. The vanes G2, 62a are independently operable so that each may assume a desired position across the side face 6| of a respective jet member 42, 42a whereby the amount of fuel delivered thereto is controlled accordingly.

The rear wall 33 of the conduit portion 24 is provided with an aperture 61, in which aperture an auxiliary jet member 68 is positioned. This auxiliary jet'member is provided with a pair of transversely spaced chambers 59, 89a arranged to receive pressure fluid from intake pipes 10, a, respectively. On its forward side, the jet member 68 is provided with a plurality of laterally spaced, downwardly directed, triangular shaped ribs 1|. Each chamber 69, 69a is provided with jet apertures 12, one between each rib 1| and directed forwardly toward the jet members 42, 42a in a plane slightly thereabove.

In the operation of this invention, fuel is urged upwardly into the conduit portion 24 by the conveyor screw 22. Due to the fact that the fuel must be forced upwardly to a considerable height above the screw 22, the fuel forms into a consolidated core, the density -or compactness of which is determined largely by the character of the fuel and also upon the vertical distance whichit must be forced. Upon passing above the level of the'lower edge of the firing opening 9, the consolidated fuel core is permitted to expand in a forwardv direction by reason of the fact that the conduit forward wall 32 turns inwardly and also because the rear curvate wall 46 of each jet member 42, 42a likewise extends inwardly into the ring opening as a forward continuation of the wall 32.

When the fuel core expands into relatively loose increments, the auxiliary jet member 68 acts thereupon to move the fuel along the upper surface of the jet members 42, 42a and into the zone of action thereof. The fuel thus delivered in front of the jet members 42, 42a is distributed evenly over the firebed by the mutual cooperation of the distributing table 54 and the jet members. By providing an expansion zone for the fuel core prior to the action thereon of the auxiliaryjet member 68, the fluid issues from the jet apertures 12 at a comparatively low pressure so that the auxiliary jet member 68 merely assists in the delivery of fuel to the main jet members 42, 42a.

In the modification illustrated in Figures 5 and 6, the distributing table 15, the jet members 16, 16a and the platform 11`are so constructed and related with each other that the table will protrude very little, if any, into therebox as compared with the form of our invention illustrated in Figures 1 to 4, inclusive. By this arrangement, the table 15 will not be so greatly affected by 'the intense heat within the firebox.

Since the table 15 'is disposed approximately rearward of the inner surface of the backwall I I, means for causing a lateral distribution of fuel cannot be formed with the table 15. In this modification, a pair of deflectors 18, 18a are provided, one at each side of the stoker discharge mouth. Each deector 18, '18a includes a laterally curved wall 1S depending from the forward end of an arm 80, each wall 'I9 being arranged to intercept fuel particles projected forwardly across the table 'l5 by the jet members 16, 16a. The rearward end of each arm 80 of the deflectors 18, 18a is secured to a respective fuel deflecting vane 8|, 8 la, which vanes serve the same purpose as those illustrated in the form of the invention illustrated in Figures Y1 to 4, inclusive. The upper surface of the distributing table 15 is provided with a pair of forwardly extending inclined portions 85, 85a, one at each lateral side of the table I5 which portions cooperate to direct fuel against the wall 1S of each respective deiiector 18, 18a.

A novel result is attained by providing the independently operable fuel vanes 8|, Sla with deiiectors 18, 18a, respectively, as will now appear. Since the vanes 8 I 81a are independently movable so as to control the amounts of fuel dropping over the front face of the jet members 16, 18a, the deflectors '18, 18a will likewise move together with the respective vanes 8|, Bla. Thus, the deflectors 18, '18a will also be in a predetermined relation with the vanes 8|, Bla with the result that, as varying amounts of fuel are delivered to the jet members 16, 16a in accordance with the setting of the vanes, the deflectors are also in position to deflect more or less fuel to the desired portions of the rebed. The deectors '18, 18a are secured to the respective vanes 8|, 8m, by pairs of bolts 83, one of which may pass through an arcuate slot 84 of each deflector arm 80 whereby the vertical position of each deector curved wall 19 may be adjusted to suit conditions. In all other respects, this form of the invention functions similarly to the stoker device illustrated in Figures 1 to 4, inclusive.

From the foregoing, it will be apparent to those familiar with the art that the stoker constructed according to this invention will effect economies in the combustion of fuel because of the novel arrangement of the fuel distributing system. Further economies will be realized from its construction which permits cheap manufacture and repair.

We claim:

1. In combination, a furnace having a wall with an opening therein, a Stoker feed conduit having its discharge end communicating with said furnace through said opening, means for advancing fuel through said conduit, a fuel distributor adjacent the discharge end of the conduit having a face provided with a plurality of jet openings for' discharging a pressure fluid fuel propelling blast and including a distributor plate extending forward from said face below said jet openings, a pair of independently operable upstanding vanes oppositely disposed one at each side of the discharge end of the conduit forming an expansible and contractible discharge mouth therefor and acting on the fuel prior to the action thereon of the pressure fluid blasts discharged from the jet openings of said face, and a fuel deflector carried by each of said vanes and extending forwardly therefrom, said deflectors extending forward of the discharge end of said conduit and forward of said jet openings into said furnace, each of said fuel deflectors arranged to intercept and laterally distribute portions of the fuel projected forwardly by said distributor. 2. In combination, a furnace having a wall with an opening therein, a Stoker4 feed conduit having its discharge end communicating with said furnace through saidopening, means for advancing fuel through said conduit, a fuel distributor adjacent the discharge end of the conduit having a face provided with a plurality of jet openings. for discharging a pressure uid fuel propelling blast and including a distributor plate extending forward from said face below said jet openings, a pair of independently operable upstanding vanes oppositely disposed one at each side of the discharge end of the conduit forming an expansible and contractible discharge mouth therefor and acting on the fuel prior to the action thereon of the pressure uid blasts discharged from the jet openings of said face, and a fuel defiector detachablyv secured to each of said vanes and extending forwardly therefrom, said deflectors extending forward of the discharge end of said conduit and forward of said jet openings into said furnace, .each of said fuel deflectors arranged to intercept Vand laterally distribute portions of the fuel projected forwardly by said distributor.

3. In combination, a furnace, having a Wall withvan opening therein, a stoker feed conduit having its discharge end communicating. with said furnace through said opening, mean`s for advancing fuel through said conduit, a fuel distributor adjacent ythe discharge4 end of the conduit having a face provided with a plurality of jet openings for discharging a pressure fluid fuel propelling blast and including a distributor plate extending forward from said face below said jet openings, a pair of independently operable upstanding vanes oppositely disposed one at each side of the discharge end of the conduit forming an expansible and contractible discharge mouth therefor and acting on the fuel prior to the action thereon of the pressure fluid blasts discharged from the jet openings of said face, and a fuel deiiector adjustably secured to each of said vanes and extending forwardly therefrom, said deflectors extending forward of the discharge end of said conduit and forward of said jet openings into said furnace, each of said fuel deflectors arranged to intercept and laterally distribute portions of the fuel projected forwardly by said distributor.

4. In combination, a furnace having a Wall with an opening therein, a stoker feed conduit having its discharge end communicating with said furnace through said opening, means for advancing fuel through said conduit, a fuel distributor adjacent the discharge end of the conduit having a face provided with a plurality of jet openings for discharginga pressure fluid fuel propelling blast and including a distributor plate extending forward from said face below said jet openings, a pair of independently operable upstanding vanes oppositely disposed one at each side of the discharge end of the conduit forming an expansible and contractible discharge mouth therefor and acting on the fuel prior to the action thereon of the pressure'iiuid blasts discharged from the jet openings of said face, an auxiliary distributor rearward of said vanes and a fuel deector carried by each of said vanes and extending forwardly therefrom, said deiiectors extending forward of the discharge end of said conduit and forward of said jet openings into said furnace, each of said fuel deflectors arranged to intercept and laterally distribute portions of the fuel projected forwardly by said first named distributor,

5. In combination, a furnace having a wall with an opening therein, a stoker feed conduit having its discharge end communicating with said furnace through said opening, means for advancing fuel through said conduit, a fuel distributor adjacent the discharge end of the conduit having a face provided with a plurality of jet openings for discharging a pressure uid fuel propelling blast and including a distributor plate extending forward from said face below said jet openings, a pair of independently operable upstanding vanes oppositely disposed one at each side of the discharge end of the conduit forming an expansible and contractible discharge mouth therefor and acting on the fuel prior to the action thereon of the pressure fluid blasts discharged from the jet openings of said face, an auxiliary distributor rearward of said vanes, and a fuel deflector adjustably secured to each of said vanes and extending forwardly therefrom, said deectors extending forward of the discharge end of said conduit and forward of said jet openings into said furnace, each of said fuel defiectors arranged to intercept and laterally distribute portions of the fuel projected forwardly by said first named distributor.

6. In a furnace provided with a grate and an upstanding wall having a ring opening therein, a stoker for feeding fuel to said furnace comprising a conduit exterior of said furnace, side walls at the upper end of said conduit embracing corresponding portions of said ringopening and forming a discharge mouth for said conduit in communication with said. firing opening, means for urging fuel through said conduit, and a distributing device at the lower portion of said ring opening arranged to receive and project fuel over the furnace grate, said distributing device comprising a pair of jet members seated contiguously side by side at the lower portion of said discharge mouth, each of said jet members being insertible to operative position through a corresponding side wall of said conduit, and means for securing said jet members to said conduit.

'7. In a stoker for feeding fuel to a furnace having an upright wall with a firing opening therein, said stoker comprising a conduit disposed exteriorl-y of said furnace and having a forwardly directed discharge mouth in communication with said furnace through said firing opening, said conduit having a side wall apertured in a plane adjacent the lower part of said firing opening, and a distributor jet member passing through the aperture of said side wall inwardly to a point forward of the outer surface of said furnace Wall, said jet member, when in operative position, closing such aperture and forming a fuel supporting surface of said conduit.

HENRY S. MANN. EUGENE MARTIN. 

